UNFAIR SPEED-TRAPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 350, 10 May 1928, Page 16

UNFAIR SPEED-TRAPS

A.A.A.’S SUGGESTIONS LIMITS NEAR SCHOOLS The speed traps conducted in many parts of the country are considered by the Auckland Automobile Association to be very unTair. At a meeting of the council last evening a report was submitted by a special committee which liaa investigated the procedure adopted by various local bodies in conducting speed traps. The committee asserted, and this was supported by the council, that the only fair- system was that used in England, where they have two time-keepers over a distance of 220 yards, which includes a bad crossing. A third and uniformed official stops the motorist immediately after the check and informs him of the charge. The A.A.A. decided to forward suggestion to the North Island Motor Union. Criticism was also expressed of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act which requires special speed limits in the vicinity of schools. The association received a letter from the engineer inchief of the Public Works Department, Mr. F. W. Furkitt, stating that there appeared to be no necessity to embody exceptions in the regulations suspending the speed limits on Saturdays. Sundays and holidays, and altering the times from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. He said that in the case of holidays no local body would be likely to prosecute, and there would be still less probability of a magistrate convicting. The question was referred to the bylaws committee.